Dallas Cowboys select Byron Jones No. 27 in 2015 NFL draft

The Cowboys have been wrestling with Orlando Scandrick over his contract, and veteran Brandon Carr was not at all good in 2014. Thus the need for a new cornerback in Big D, and Jones certainly fits Rod Marinelli's preference for fast, rangy athletes. His standing broad jump of 12 feet, three inches at the combine wasn't just a combine record—it was a world record.

Jones scored very high in all athletic tests, and that shows up on the field, where Jones appears to be moving in a higher gear than most of his teammates and opponents. He could stand to be a bit more smooth in his backpedal, but he's a good tackler and a fine overall pass defender for a team in desperate need. This is a great get this late in the draft.

Strengths: Might be one of the most athletic players in the draft. IN addition to his world-record jump at the combine, his 44.5-inch vertical was one of the best ever by a cornerback. Has solid recovery speed and plenty of experience, having started the majority of his games at UConn.​—Zac Ellis

Weaknesses: Coming off a shoulder injury that caused him to miss UConn's final five games in 2014. Sat out Senior Bowl and didn't run 40 at the combine due to the injury. Upside is huge, but injury could cause teams to wonder about his durability.​​—Zac Ellis

NFL prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State talks to pediatric patient Alec Cabacungan while doing a mock interview during the NFL PLAY 60 activities at Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday, April 30 in Chicago.

Paul Beaty/AP

1 of
28

Advertisement

You May Like

More NFL

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Don't get stuck on the sidelines! Sign up to get exclusives, daily highlights, analysis and more—delivered right to your inbox!